(Source X)
Rahul Dravid, who recently concluded his tenure as head coach of Team India, made headlines by declining a significant portion of his coaching bonus despite guiding the team to victory in the T20 World Cup. Reports indicate that the BCCI intended to reward him with a bonus of five crores, but Dravid chose to receive only half of that amount.
Dravid’s decision stemmed from his desire for equitable treatment among the coaching staff. He opted to accept 2.5 crores, aligning his bonus with that of his fellow support staff members: Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), Vikram Rathour (batting coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach). This move underscored Dravid’s commitment to fairness and unity within the coaching team.
In contrast, each member of the Indian squad received a cash prize of 5 crores for their triumphant performance in the T20 World Cup. The BCCI’s allocation of prize money included 125 crores in total, with 2.5 crores designated for each support staff member, and selectors and traveling squad members receiving 1 crore each.
A source within the BCCI confirmed, “Rahul wanted the same bonus money (Rs. 2.5 crore) as the rest of his support staff. We respect his sentiments,” as reported by Hindustan Times. Dravid’s principled stance highlighted his dedication to parity and team unity in India’s cricketing ecosystem.
Rahul Dravid declines bonus despite coaching successes.
Rahul Dravid’s recent decision to forego a bonus is not unprecedented. Back in 2018, during India’s victorious U-19 World Cup campaign, Dravid declined a bonus from the BCCI. Despite being offered 50 lakhs, he opted not to accept any personal reward, while the support staff received 30 lakhs each and the players received 20 lakhs each.
Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach has been marked by significant achievements and occasional setbacks. Under his guidance, India achieved notable successes such as winning Test series against Australia and England at home, as well as ODI series victories against Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and South Africa on home turf. His crowning achievement was leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
However, amidst these triumphs, there were notable disappointments, including the semi-final loss in the T20 World Cup 2022, the WTC 2023 final defeat, and losses in the ODI World Cup final and a Test series against South Africa away from home, despite initially leading the series 1-0. Despite these challenges, Dravid’s tenure concluded on a high note following India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June 2023.
Regarding his tenure Dravid said “I’m someone who actually likes continuity and don’t like to chop and change too many things because I believe that creates a lot of instability and doesn’t create a very good environment,” said Dravid in a video posted by BCCI on Saturday.
“I feel that I am a part of the team whose responsibility is to create the right professional, safe, secure environment that doesn’t really have a fear of failure as such but is challenging enough to push people. That has always been my endeavour” he further said.
Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid, the BCCI announced on Tuesday. Gambhir, who recently guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title as mentor, will commence his tenure with the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka. The tour includes a series of 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is starting from July 27th.
